FANNING SPRINGS FLORIDA, THE GATEWAY TO THE SUWANNEE

Whatever your craft, plying the rivers, springs, runs and streams of the Suwannee Valley is a marvelous experience. Thousands angle for bass, bream, cat and perch. Others swim in the spring boils or enjoy tubing down the crystal clear Ichetucknee. Canoeists and kayakers paddle silently by and pontoon boaters ease along in comfort. Power boaters and waterskiers thrill to their sport. Divers search the remains of sunken ships and prehistoric sites in the river and those certified can explore caves in the limestone Florida Aquifer.

CRUISE THE SUWANNEE RIVER

The Suwannee is a wonderful river for boats of almost any size. Any boat, power or sail, that can get in the 7' deep entrance channel from the Gulf or be trailer launched, can go as far as the 34' high bridge at Fanning Spring. Boats that can make it under the 10' Nature Coast Trail bridge a little over 3 miles by water above Fanning Springs, will have clear sailing all the way to Branford. The distance from the Gulf to Branford is a pristine 76 miles. River depths are normally between 7 to 55 feet and good water can usually be found right up to the river bank. Caution: The Suwannee does not have a marked or maintained navigational channel. There are several sandbars which must be avoided. During flood periods, the river should not be used for recreational purposes of any kind.

PADDLE THE SUWANNEE

Many adventurers paddle the Suwannee in canoes and kayaks, although it can sometimes be a daunting experience on busy weekends or holidays when power boat traffic is heavy. Other times you can go miles without seeing anyone else on this historic and beautiful river.

THE HISTORIC SUWANNEE

The Suwannee River arises in the Okefenokee Swamp straddling the Florida-Georgia border. It's massive flow is fed by over 197 pristine fresh water springs and unnumbered creeks and tributaries. Lying in Florida's Big Bend section between the peninsula and the panhandle, it is one of Nature's dividing lines between subtropical southern Florida and the more conventional northerly environments. William Bartram was one of the areas earliest naturalists, explorers and writers. In 1791 he wrote of his travels on and about the Little St. Juan's (Little St. Johns) which later became the Suwannee. Throughout it's history men have used it as a means of travel, trade and communication. During the 19th century timbermen floated huge rafts of hardwoods, pine, cypress and naval stores to be loaded aboard ships in the lower Suwannee. Trading schooners plied its waters bringing goods and, just as eagerly sought, news from the outside. During the Civil War the river was a major port for Confederate supplies. River commerce continued right up to the 1950s when better roads and trucks provided a more efficient means of transport. Today the Suwannee is still one of the most undisturbed major rivers in the country. Most of its traffic and use is recreational. We hope you'll join those of us who love our rivers and help keep it clean and beautiful.

FANNING SPRINGS

Located right on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years. Fanning Springs produces an average of 65 million gallons of water daily, making it one of Florida's 33 first magnitude springs. Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day; fishing is also a popular recreation.

Visitors can enter Fanning Springs State Park by boat from the Suwannee River as well as by car. Many visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground, and the park's large open areas for Frisbee, football, soccer and also for several local events. A nature trail and boardwalk overlook the spring and river. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park. Manatees often visit the spring during the winter months.

The town of Fanning Springs a unique, historic town, located on a high bluff of the Suwannee River, long a popular swimming and recreation spot and the location of the historic 1836 Fort Fanning. The Fort is now partially recreated in its original location across the highway from Fanning Springs State Park.

There are some great accomodations and good food located in and near Fanning Springs.

For further information in the area check out www.purewaterwilderness.com,
www.visitgilchristcounty.com and www.visitnaturecoast.com